The Monk and the Gun

The transition to democracy is not a seamless process; it requires deliberate efforts. Despite the king relinquishing power and ushering in a new democratic era through a referendum, not everyone embraced the shift to popular rule with equal enthusiasm. Director Dorji skillfully exaggerates this reality by crafting this satirical narrative. The film adeptly satirizes the perceived malevolence associated with Western influence while also highlighting the perils of an uninformed society. It evolves into a compelling narrative, portraying one of the pivotal transitions in the history of the remote Himalayan Kingdom. The story takes on a genuinely amusing tone as characters grapple with the complexities of transitioning between forms of governance, all the while harboring uncertainty about whether the new system is an improvement.

Against the backdrop of stunning nature scenes, the film beautifully contrasts the modern with the traditional. What truly sets this story apart is its warm and humorous exploration of the numerous advantages and pitfalls of democracy. Rarely has the interplay between the old and the new been presented in such an engaging and special manner.